City announces 17th annual Gospelfest at City Hall Plaza

BOSTON - Wednesday, August 2, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Office of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment today announced that the 17th AnnualGospelfest will take place on Sunday, August 6 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on City Hall Plaza. Gospelfest is New England's largest Gospel music celebration, and is free and open to all.

"I'm pleased we're bringing back this celebration for the 17th consecutive year," said Mayor Walsh. "I'm proud Boston provides fun, free, family events throughout the year, and this event is one of our most anticipated. I look forward to welcoming residents and visitors to City Hall Plaza on August 6."

The 17th Annual Gospelfest will feature performances by local gospel acts: The Kingdom Builders, Margaret Holmes & the Gospel T's, and Boston's Community Gospel Choir. Headlining this year's Gospelfest is Anthony Brown & group therAPy.

"Every year our team is excited to be a part of hundreds of Gospel concerts across the U.S., but Boston's Gospelfest is hands down one of our favorites," said John Bernier, Owner of Event Gospel. "There is nothing like it. Folks from all walks of life coming together to celebrate the message of the gospel -- as one. This year in particular I'm super excited that the Mayor's team has selected Anthony Brown & group therAPy to be the headliner. Anthony hasn't been to Boston in over seven years and since then he has introduced some amazing music and set ridiculous records. It's definitely going to be a time to remember!"

Anthony Brown, a prodigy who began playing piano at age 3, reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts for his song, "It Ain't Over." His music career took off in 2012 with the release of his debut studio album, Anthony Brown & group therAPy. He released his sophomore album, Everyday Jesus, three years laterin 2015. Brown is also the Assistant Minister of Music at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden in his home state of Maryland.

Under the direction of Donovan McLean Jr., The Kingdom Builders released their debut project, For Your Glory, in August 2015. Since then, they have performed at various venues, preaching about the transformative power of God through their music.

Margaret Holmes & The Gospel T's, a family-based group from Boston, will also be performing. Siblings Treva, Timmealya, and Tyricky, along with grandmother Margaret Holmes have been singing together for sixteen years. The group recently released their EP, Saved. Margaret Holmes has also been given an Award of Achievement on behalf of the City due to her "gracious heart and commitment to the City of Boston."

In addition, for the second year in a row, the Mayor's Community Gospel Choir will perform. This sixteen-person group is organized by Edna Wilkie of the Mayor's Office of Tourism, Sports and Entertainment.